On April 1, 2024, the Armenian cultural and educational association (ABEAM) distributed four hundred French-designed generators in a meeting funded by various cities and regions of France, as well as Armenian organizations CCAF and ABEAM France. The purpose of this humanitarian assistance was to provide aid to Artsakh, following Armenia’s permission to allow humanitarian aid through the Lachin corridor. The ambassadorial delegation from cities like Paris, Marseille, Strasbourg, Lyon, as well as regions O-R-A, Overn-Ron-Alp, Aix-en-Provence, and Lourdes, visited Armenia to arrange the delivery of essential goods and services, including electricity, to the people of Artsakh who have limited access to basic necessities. To address the shortage of electricity in Artsakh, ABEAM France dedicated 180,000 euros to practical humanitarian aid in the form of generators, which were distributed to healthcare facilities, schools, churches, and administrative bodies. However, Armenia’s requests for entry to the Lachin corridor for humanitarian aid were ignored by Azerbaijan, preventing them from providing assistance to Artsakh. Additionally, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ABEAM had to change the venue of the generator distribution to various cities in Armenia.

In the first phase of the generator distribution, ABEAM selected Goris, Syunik, and Meghri as the regions to support with power supply. This decision was based on the capability of these communities and institutions to maintain and utilize the generators effectively, considering their experience in dealing with power supply issues. The Goris Polytechnic, despite lacking alternative energy sources, plays a vital role in providing healthcare services in challenging circumstances. Goris Municipality, being closer to the border of Azerbaijan, has a greater need for an alternative energy source due to potential risks. Sisian Municipality, as the third-largest city in the Syunik region, needs an alternative energy supply to ensure its operations in light of its strategic location and vulnerability. Martuni Municipality, located in the Gegharkunik region, is a significant city that showcases the effectiveness of the alternative energy source and can also serve as a backup for villages and children’s institutions. The Syunik Regional Administration, responsible for coordinating activities in the region, can continue their work more effectively with this alternative energy source. The delegates of these respective communities expressed their gratitude for ABEAM’s assistance and highlighted the positive impact the generators would have on the regions. Thus, on March 28th in Martuni and April 4th in Goris and Sisian, the ABEAM Armenia team handed over the generators to these institutions, marking a crucial step towards sustainable development and improved conditions in these communities, while also enhancing humanitarian efforts in Armenia.